A Wall Street Journal analysis reveals a significant increase in government spending. The analysis of Treasury Department data shows outlays $154 billion higher in the current period compared to the same timeframe in 2024 under the Biden administration. This substantial rise occurred since the current administration’s inauguration in January. The findings highlight a considerable shift in fiscal policy.
The Treasury Department announced it will not enforce the Biden administration’s beneficial ownership information database rule for small businesses, effectively suspending penalties for non-compliance. This decision, praised by President Trump, halts the requirement for millions of small businesses to register owner information by January 1, 2024, despite ongoing litigation challenging the rule’s legality. The rule, intended to combat money laundering and shell company formations, has faced criticism for its potential privacy concerns and regulatory burden. This action is framed as part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce regulations impacting small businesses.
The Treasury Department announced it will not enforce penalties under the Corporate Transparency Act against U.S. citizens or domestic companies, citing the burden on low-risk entities. This decision follows opposition from the Trump administration and ongoing legal challenges. The department plans to issue a rule narrowing the act’s scope to focus on foreign reporting companies. Proponents argue the act combats money laundering in the U.S., while opponents emphasize the regulatory burden.
Following a confrontation with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Representatives Judy Chu and Gwen Moore formally requested a House Ways and Means Committee hearing next week investigating Elon Musk and his DOGE team’s access to Treasury Department payment systems. This request cites Johnson’s apparent commitment to such a hearing, as reported by the Washington Times. The hearing would examine concerns over potential misuse of taxpayer information and the extent of Musk’s team’s access. The Representatives’ letter emphasizes the need for Treasury Secretary Bessent and Musk to testify.
Following President Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk’s appointees at the Treasury Department attempted to halt USAID payments using the department’s payment system. This request, deemed legally dubious by Acting Secretary David Lebryk, sparked a conflict between political appointees and career civil servants. The ensuing controversy led to Lebryk’s resignation and a tense political debate over the extent of access granted to Musk’s team, with conflicting reports on whether their access was “read-only” or permitted broader control over the system. This incident raises significant concerns about potential executive overreach and the politicization of federal funds. The matter is currently under investigation.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to a sensitive Treasury Department payment system containing the personal data of all Americans receiving federal payments. This access, granted by newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, followed the resignation of a career Treasury official who opposed it. The move has sparked widespread concern from lawmakers, who fear it could be used to illegally withhold payments or to benefit Musk’s business interests. Critics argue this action represents an alarming attempt to undermine established government processes and potentially harm vulnerable populations. The situation is further complicated by reports of Musk allies locking out career civil servants from other government systems.
Senator Ron Wyden alleges that Elon Musk’s representatives, granted full access to a U.S. Treasury payment system processing trillions of dollars annually, pose a significant national security risk. This access, authorized by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, includes control over disbursements for programs like Social Security and Medicare, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s extensive business ties to China. Wyden highlights the sensitive nature of the system, containing personal data of millions of Americans, and the potential for politically motivated interference. The incident follows a standoff resulting in the departure of a top Treasury official and raises broader concerns about the influence of Musk and his associates within the U.S. federal government.
Senator Ron Wyden is demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding a report that Elon Musk’s associates sought access to a highly sensitive Treasury payment system responsible for disbursing trillions of dollars annually. Wyden expressed serious concerns about the potential for politically motivated interference and the severe economic consequences that could result. He highlighted conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s extensive business ties to China, raising national security risks. The Senator’s letter requests detailed information about any access granted, the rationale behind it, and the security measures in place to prevent breaches.
Treasury’s payment systems, controlling over $6 trillion annually in payments, are overseen by a small number of career officials. Recent access granted to Elon Musk to these sensitive systems has alarmed former Treasury and OMB officials, who are unsure of his motives. The concern centers on the potential for targeted disruption of government payments, mirroring previous attempts to freeze federal funding. This raises questions about whether Musk aims to selectively halt payments authorized by Congress, echoing past efforts to control government spending.
David Lebryk, Treasury Department deputy secretary, is resigning following pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE sought access to critical federal payment systems handling trillions of dollars annually, a request Lebryk resisted. This access attempt, authorized by a Trump executive order, raises concerns about potential misuse of power and control over essential government functions. The legality of DOGE’s actions remains unclear, but the incident highlights escalating efforts by Musk to influence federal operations.
John Q. Hosedrinker